On May 10, Vero Heritage, Inc. will honor the Wodtke family at its 15th Annual Pioneer Family Recognition Dinner at the Heritage Center.

Each year, Vero Heritage, Inc. honors a family who has contributed to the growth and progress of Indian River County. William C Wodtke, Sr. “Bill,” a first-generation American, and Edna Mae Fortner, a third-generation Floridian, arrived in Vero Beach in 1922. They married in 1930 at St. Helen Catholic Church and had seven children: Kay Trent, Bill, Jr., Jody, Michael, Mary Sinclair, Margaret Laporte and Susan Smith.

Bill’s dream of owning his own retail store was fulfilled when he opened Wodtke’s Dept. Store in 1942. Along with a career, he served this community by belonging to such organizations as Chamber of Commerce, Elks, Exchange Club, Volunteer Fireman, American Red Cross, Indian River Memorial Hospital, Coast Guard Reserves, Director of Indian River Citrus Bank and others.

When Bill passed away unexpectedly in 1961 at 55-years of age, Edna and her older children kept Wodtke’s running until it closed after 53-years in 1995. Many family members remain in Indian River County today and are as involved as Bill and Edna.

The cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m., and a short program follows. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at the Heritage Center or by calling (772) 770-2263. The Heritage Center is located in historic downtown Vero Beach. Funds generated from this event assist in the conservation and preservation of this important landmark.